Andrienne C. Friedli

afriedli@mtsu.edu

Earl Pearson

Chemistry

Smart Classroom

Davis Science Building 106

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The majority of faculty members in the Chemistry Department use technology-based presentations in their classes. A few pursue research projects that depend on the use of classroom technology. More faculty would use multimedia if regular access to technology were guaranteed. The department currently shares priority access to two large master classrooms (DSB 100 WPS 102) and one medium master classroom (DSB 104). However, faculty requests to be assigned routinely to a master classroom still exceed the available time slots. One of the classrooms used regularly by chemistry faculty (DSB 106) has not been converted to a master classroom. Besides the lack of access to technology, the room is a poor learning environment due to the location and quality of chalkboards, overhead projector, air-handling, and lighting. The purpose of this proposal is to upgrade DSB 106 to a fully-equipped master classroom while maintaining the existing capabilities for traditional lecture demonstrations. The department schedules classes in DSB 106 from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM plus some night sections, club meetings, and seminars. Approximately 1200 students per year will directly benefit from the project. Chemistry laboratories and some classrooms will relocate to the new Science Building in five years, but the upgrade is necessary for DSB 106 to function as a modern classroom.